Snowmobile to the East Coast (Spitsbergen)

You meet with your guide in Longyearbyen, get fully kitted up with the outer layers of clothing and are shown how to drive your snow mobile. After the all-important safety briefing, it's time to head out on an epic journey - through the characteristic frozen beauty of Spitsbergen Island, across wide plains and through narrow valleys. There are plenty of stops on the way to marvel at the scenery, hear about local history, or to simply turn off the engines and enjoy the silence. Lunch is en route and after a few hours riding you will arrive to Storfjorden on the East Coast - often covered by ice and with Edgeøya far away in the distance. There is every chance you may see a polar bear out on the ice. Usually the guide will choose an alternate route home, across glaciers and through different valleys.

On this safari you will cover some 110 miles and you'll be out of Longyearbyen for anything up to 10 hours. This is a trip only for the hardy snowmobile enthusiast.

All the necessary equipment is provided (thermo-overall, mittens, socks, boots, balaclava & helmet) and insurance for the snowmobile is covered. However, the driver of the snowmobile is held liable for damages caused to the vehicle to a max of €800. You can either drive alone or you can have a travel companion on board as a passenger (wrap up warm!) and, in these instances, it is usually possible to switch drivers during the safari. You must hold a valid driving license to take the controls. Also included in Spitsbergen is search and rescue insurance and a locally-savvy experienced tour leader, with all the necessary safety equipment and obligatory rifle.